Immunohistochemical localization of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex antigen with antibody to 38 kDa antigen versus Ziehl Neelsen staining in tissue granulomas of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Abstract

The immuno-hiostochemical localization of tuberculous bacilli and their components in tissue sections may be an efficient diagnostic adjunct to conventional ZN staining for the diagnosis of granulomas of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. The technique is simple, sensitive and specific. It can be standardized and performed by trained technicians in routine laboratory. This will also help in clinical decision-making and in reducing the usual practice of prescribing empirical anti-tubercular treatment based on clinical suspicion alone in the absence of demonstrable evidence of tuberculous infection.